1.How much am I eligible to receive in weekly benefits?You may receive approximately 50% of your average weekly wage, up to a maximum of $698 per week. There’s an additional dependency allowance of $25 per dependent child if you provide whole or main support of your child(ren). You must have worked in Massachusetts and earned at least $3,500 during the last four quarters and at least 30 times the amount you would be eligible to receive weekly in UI benefits. After you apply for benefits, you will receive a Benefit Determination Notice indicating your weekly benefit rate.

2.How long can I receive UI benefits?The maximum number of weeks is 30 (capped at 26 weeks during periods of extended benefits). However, many individuals qualify for less than 30 weeks of coverage. The amount of your benefits and the number of weeks that you can receive those benefits depends on your earnings during the 15 months prior to filing your claim.

3.When do I start receiving unemployment payments?Massachusetts Law requires a ‘waiting period’, the first week of each new claim for which no benefits are paid. If otherwise eligible, every effort is made to pay benefits three weeks from the week you applied for benefits. Reopened claims are not subject to the waiting period.

4.How do I request weekly benefits?You may claim your benefits using UI Online or by calling TeleCert. When you certify your eligibility using UI Online or TeleCert, you will receive a payment every week. For the fastest and most reliable way to receive your payment, sign up for direct deposit.

Your benefits may be affected by pension payments you are receiving, except for Social Security retirement benefits. You must report to DUA that you are receiving a pension and will also need to provide documentation to DUA including the amount and source of any type of pension or retirement payments when you file your claim. If your eligibility for benefits is affected, you will receive a Determination Notice explaining the law as it applies to you. In order to be receive UI benefits, you must be able to work, available for work and looking for work.

The Training Opportunities Program allows the Department of Unemployment Assistance to waive the "active work search" requirement for claimants who meet certain eligibility requirements. This means that claimants can continue to receive UI benefits while in agency-approved training. Under certain circumstances, claimants may be eligible for up to an additional 26 weeks of UI benefits while attending approved training. While the Training Opportunities may provide additional weeks of unemployment benefits, this does not include payment of actual training costs.